Freelance Rate Card
In order to create fair compensation and support the growth of the Australian podcast industry, a consortium of industry leaders, professionals, and content creators has established new industry standards for podcast rates. These standards aim to ensure that freelancers working in podcasting receive equitable compensation for their knowledge, valuable contributions and expertise.
Aims
How to use the rate card
These rates were developed through extensive industry consultation. They reflect freelancers need to cover their own entitlements such as leave and superannuation. They take into account such factors as the cost of living, the market rate, rates in similar industries, and rates in the podcast industry overseas.
The following information outlines the recommended rates for a freelancer working in the Australian podcast industry to charge a client per hour. Years of experience denotes years in the podcasting industry or other applicable roles. While these are hourly rates we encourage people in the podcast industry to charge by the half day.
This rate card is based off data that was collected in 2022. Rates should be adjusted to account for inflation and changes in the cost of living. That change isn’t consistent year over year, but 2.5% per year is reasonable if you don’t have access to a better figure.
Role Descriptions
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ProducerThe Producer takes a hands-on role, working directly with the content to build the podcast, making it an essential role for all podcast projects. A Producer takes on an organising role under the Executive Producer and/or Senior/Supervising Producer. They liaise with presenters and journalists to create content, or can work independently as creators. They are responsible for booking guests and conducting pre-interviews. A Producer writes interview questions, often in collaboration with a researcher or a journalist. They work with other team members to create scripts or assembly edits. A Producer may conduct interviews with or without a presenter, write scripts, create assembly edits and provide editorial feedback.
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Senior/Supervising ProducerA Senior or Supervising Producer provides guidance and support to producers. Typically, they’re producers with a higher level of experience, often across different styles of podcasts, meaning they’re expected to be able to navigate complicated reporting, storytelling, ethical and logistical issues that may be present during a production. Senior or Supervising Producers are most often used to provide highly specific feedback and support to Producers. This may include decisions around format, duration, guests and voices, the scope, framing and focus of stories, use of sound and language, and especially detailed notes on scripts and audio drafts.
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Executive ProducerThe role of the Executive Producer is to broadly oversee a production and to shape the content, team and roles, schedule and resources accordingly. An Executive Producer will propose/pitch original ideas and develop concepts. They will think about the podcast's goals, the audience, how the podcast fits in with similar media, and how it aligns with a publisher or network’s broader output. They’ll often be responsible for advocating for, negotiating, or directing marketing and promotional support, as well as partnerships, advertising and monetisation strategy of a project. An EP gives feedback and direction on editorial, audio and creative aspects of a production. An EP will have familiarity with media law, but if they are concerned about risk then they would pass responsibility to a legal professional.
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Story EditorA Story Editor works with a Producer to refine the tone, content and structure of a story, episode or segment. Their work often starts in the pre-production phase, where they help conceptualise the goals of a story. Throughout the process they will consult with journalists and researchers to ensure that a story is accurate, compelling and complete. A Story Editor will provide feedback for scripts and assembly edits, and may suggest conducting further recording or reporting, fact-checking, follow-up research, and re-writing.
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ResearcherA Researcher is assigned a topic by the Producer and investigates this topic thoroughly. They create a summary, and proposes appropriate interview subjects.
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Fact-CheckerA Fact-Checker verifies all assertions within a podcast for accuracy and fairness. A Fact-Checker would typically have a background in journalism, and it's expected that they have a strong understanding of media law.
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JournalistAt its core, the job of a Journalist is to gather, write and prepare stories for a news medium. We have not stated the rate for an audio/podcast journalist because they operate their own group.
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PresenterA Podcast Presenter is a versatile performer with the gift of the gab. A Presenter may work with guests, they may discuss a particular topic, or they may have a conversation with other hosts. Our rate is for a non-celebrity presenter.
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Studio EngineerA Studio Engineer operates a recording studio or a live broadcast studio. In the field of podcasting, they are also responsible for facilitating remote recordings/tape syncs. A Studio Engineer uses their expertise to make clear, consistent and intelligible recordings. A Studio Engineer would be responsible for recording a live event that is being held outside of a studio, such as at a theatre.
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Tape SyncA Tape Sync is an audio producer who travels to an on-site location and records one side of a remote interview, sending the resulting files to the client soon after the recording. Tape Sync operators typically arrange their own transport and provide their own equipment. They ensure the remote guest is comfortable, that the environment is suitable for recording, and that communication between interviewer and guest is optimal. On occasion, they may be asked by the client to suggest additional questions or collect extra location sounds relevant to the production. The Tape Sync operator is typically expected to record 30-60 seconds of representative ‘silence’ (room tone) to support complicated edits. A Tape Sync is assumed to have access to standard broadcast-quality equipment.
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Sound RecordistA Sound Recordist facilitates field recordings. They are responsible for sourcing and setting up equipment and trouble-shooting technical issues. They use their expertise to make clear, consistent and intelligible recordings in a wide variety of challenging conditions.
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Audio EditorAn Audio Editor is responsible for cutting and cleaning dialogue. This may involve assembling a collection of raw audio into a story with the aid of a script, or working from an assembly edit. The Audio Editor smooths transitions, removes filler words, and improves spacing and timing.
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Sound DesignerA Sound Designer establishes the sound and feeling of a show, episode or segment. They may be involved in early editorial decisions, influence the recording process, or they may work from a finished dialogue assembly. A Sound Designer is most notably responsible for the creative addition of music, sound effects and atmos to serve the story. They may source music using a sound library, or work with composers to build original music for the project. They often build cohesive scenes out of field recordings.
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ComposerA Composer writes original music for a podcast. They often work from a dialogue mixdown, or they might work with the Producer or Sound Designer to create a range of musical pieces that can be regularly incorporated into a show. We have not suggested pay rates for composition because this falls under the responsibility of Musicians Australia.
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Mix EngineerA Mix Engineer will take a pre-existing session and improve balance, intelligibility and consistency. A Mix Engineer improves recording errors and poor edits and enhances audio recordings for intelligibility and artistic effect. Using tools such as compression and equalisation, a Mix Engineer will make different recordings sound consistent, and a story sound coherent.
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Mastering EngineerA Mastering Engineer prepares an audio recording for distribution on different forms of media, including online distribution platforms, by ensuring that all audio specifications are met. These specifications include loudness standards, file formats and metadata. A Mastering Engineer uses their creative skill to finesse and polish a recording. We have not provided a rate for Mastering Engineers due to insufficient information.
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ProducerThe Producer takes a hands-on role, working directly with the content to build the podcast, making it an essential role for all podcast projects. A Producer takes on an organising role under the Executive Producer and/or Senior/Supervising Producer. They liaise with presenters and journalists to create content, or can work independently as creators. They are responsible for booking guests and conducting pre-interviews. A Producer writes interview questions, often in collaboration with a researcher or a journalist. They work with other team members to create scripts or assembly edits. A Producer may conduct interviews with or without a presenter, write scripts, create assembly edits and provide editorial feedback.
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Senior/Supervising ProducerA Senior or Supervising Producer provides guidance and support to producers. Typically, they’re producers with a higher level of experience, often across different styles of podcasts, meaning they’re expected to be able to navigate complicated reporting, storytelling, ethical and logistical issues that may be present during a production. Senior or Supervising Producers are most often used to provide highly specific feedback and support to Producers. This may include decisions around format, duration, guests and voices, the scope, framing and focus of stories, use of sound and language, and especially detailed notes on scripts and audio drafts.
-
Executive ProducerThe role of the Executive Producer is to broadly oversee a production and to shape the content, team and roles, schedule and resources accordingly. An Executive Producer will propose/pitch original ideas and develop concepts. They will think about the podcast's goals, the audience, how the podcast fits in with similar media, and how it aligns with a publisher or network’s broader output. They’ll often be responsible for advocating for, negotiating, or directing marketing and promotional support, as well as partnerships, advertising and monetisation strategy of a project. An EP gives feedback and direction on editorial, audio and creative aspects of a production. An EP will have familiarity with media law, but if they are concerned about risk then they would pass responsibility to a legal professional.
-
Story EditorA Story Editor works with a Producer to refine the tone, content and structure of a story, episode or segment. Their work often starts in the pre-production phase, where they help conceptualise the goals of a story. Throughout the process they will consult with journalists and researchers to ensure that a story is accurate, compelling and complete. A Story Editor will provide feedback for scripts and assembly edits, and may suggest conducting further recording or reporting, fact-checking, follow-up research, and re-writing.
-
ResearcherA Researcher is assigned a topic by the Producer and investigates this topic thoroughly. They create a summary, and proposes appropriate interview subjects.
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Fact-CheckerA Fact-Checker verifies all assertions within a podcast for accuracy and fairness. A Fact-Checker would typically have a background in journalism, and it's expected that they have a strong understanding of media law.
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JournalistAt its core, the job of a Journalist is to gather, write and prepare stories for a news medium. We have not stated the rate for an audio/podcast journalist because they operate their own group.
-
PresenterA Podcast Presenter is a versatile performer with the gift of the gab. A Presenter may work with guests, they may discuss a particular topic, or they may have a conversation with other hosts. Our rate is for a non-celebrity presenter.
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Studio EngineerA Studio Engineer operates a recording studio or a live broadcast studio. In the field of podcasting, they are also responsible for facilitating remote recordings/tape syncs. A Studio Engineer uses their expertise to make clear, consistent and intelligible recordings. A Studio Engineer would be responsible for recording a live event that is being held outside of a studio, such as at a theatre.
-
Tape SyncA Tape Sync is an audio producer who travels to an on-site location and records one side of a remote interview, sending the resulting files to the client soon after the recording. Tape Sync operators typically arrange their own transport and provide their own equipment. They ensure the remote guest is comfortable, that the environment is suitable for recording, and that communication between interviewer and guest is optimal. On occasion, they may be asked by the client to suggest additional questions or collect extra location sounds relevant to the production. The Tape Sync operator is typically expected to record 30-60 seconds of representative ‘silence’ (room tone) to support complicated edits. A Tape Sync is assumed to have access to standard broadcast-quality equipment.
-
Sound RecordistA Sound Recordist facilitates field recordings. They are responsible for sourcing and setting up equipment and trouble-shooting technical issues. They use their expertise to make clear, consistent and intelligible recordings in a wide variety of challenging conditions.
-
Audio EditorAn Audio Editor is responsible for cutting and cleaning dialogue. This may involve assembling a collection of raw audio into a story with the aid of a script, or working from an assembly edit. The Audio Editor smooths transitions, removes filler words, and improves spacing and timing.
-
Sound DesignerA Sound Designer establishes the sound and feeling of a show, episode or segment. They may be involved in early editorial decisions, influence the recording process, or they may work from a finished dialogue assembly. A Sound Designer is most notably responsible for the creative addition of music, sound effects and atmos to serve the story. They may source music using a sound library, or work with composers to build original music for the project. They often build cohesive scenes out of field recordings.
-
ComposerA Composer writes original music for a podcast. They often work from a dialogue mixdown, or they might work with the Producer or Sound Designer to create a range of musical pieces that can be regularly incorporated into a show. We have not suggested pay rates for composition because this falls under the responsibility of Musicians Australia.
-
Mix EngineerA Mix Engineer will take a pre-existing session and improve balance, intelligibility and consistency. A Mix Engineer improves recording errors and poor edits and enhances audio recordings for intelligibility and artistic effect. Using tools such as compression and equalisation, a Mix Engineer will make different recordings sound consistent, and a story sound coherent.
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Mastering EngineerA Mastering Engineer prepares an audio recording for distribution on different forms of media, including online distribution platforms, by ensuring that all audio specifications are met. These specifications include loudness standards, file formats and metadata. A Mastering Engineer uses their creative skill to finesse and polish a recording. We have not provided a rate for Mastering Engineers due to insufficient information.
List of Supporters
The following people have signed on to publicly support the rate card. They have collectively worked with most of the major podcasting production companies in Australia including ABC, SBS, Listnr, The Wheeler Centre, ARN and The Guardian; and many international outlets including the BBC, NPR, Audible, Wondery, TED and Radiotopia.
Show your solidarity by signing the rate card.
Rah Gardiner
Ross Manuel
Sammy Perryman
Adair Sheppard
Helene Thomas
Shevonne Hunt
Emily Perkins
Justin McArthur
Anthony Dockrill
Rosa Serret
Francisco Lopez
Lea Redfern
Josh Brennan
Bronwin Patrickson
Lyndal Rowlands
Daniel Bacchieri
James Milsom
Ian Walker
Bindi Heit
Jaye Kranz
Alex Amster
Lindsey Green
Josh Butt
Myoung Jae Yi
Rob kaldor
Bonnie Lavelle
Xander Cross
Chiara Kemp
Max Gosford
Belinda Lopez
Ruth De Souza
Darius Kedros
Sana Qadar
Jacob Round
Jack Traynor
Bethany Atkinson-Quinton
Dan Schulz
Liz Clarkson
Louise Poole
Lia Tsamoglou
Karly Nimmo
Zacha Rosen
Jane Curtis
Mike Williams
Jon Tjhia
Michael Green
Nick King
Michelle Ransom-Hughes
Leith Alexander
Pariya Taherzadeh
Cinnamon Nippard
David McDonald
Sarah Bacaller
Megan Spencer
Joanne Helder
Mell Chun
Phoebe Adler-Ryan
Nance Haxton
Kathrine Baldishol
Ciara Duffy-Quinn
Sam Blacker
Ethan Kavanagh
Alyssa Partington
Libby Noble
Chery Gladman
Josh Newth
Lucia Tuong Vy Nguyen
Thomas Phillips
Shareeka Helaluddin
Nathanael Little
Loretta Hart
Erielle Sudario
Lisa Taylor
Cara O'Brien
Natasha Mitchell
Miko Santos
Sarah Mashman
Roslyn Oades
Masako Fukui
Kyle McAuliffe Cronin
Ali Aitken
Rhys Gunter
Josh Liston
Elise Bradshaw
Ali Lemer
Phil Horn
Holly Mitchell
Jess O’Callaghan
Harry Hughes
Nic Huntington
Myjanne Jensen
Claudia Craig
Siobhan McHugh
Caroline Winter
James Milsom
Emily Naismith
Daniel Semo
Kate Lawrence
Janak Rogers
Laura Corrigan
Michelle Macklem
James Parkinson
Amelia Navascues
Ed Gooden
Jeremy Wilmot
Jay Gasser
Karla Arnall
Camilla Hannan
Celine Teo-Blockey
Catherine Green
Kyle Hopkins
Nicole Curby
Elle Marsh
Sam Loy
Fatima El-Assaad
Edgar Andres Florez Caro
Colm McNaughton
Kieran Ruffles
Melanie Bakewell
Nicola Harvey
Leoniel Degoro
Jac Lauren
Morven McIntyre
Evrim Sen
Martin Franklin
Lyndal Harris
Craig Garrett
Margaret Paton
Layla Palmer
Evan Munro-Smith
Maria Stoljar
Cherie Holland
Sophie Ellis
Anna Priestland
Rowena Murray
Sarah Steel
Rebecca Maakasa
Simon Beaton
Mike Liberale
Darren Scarce
Danni Stewart
Julia Carr-Catzel
Claudianna Blanco
Elise Cooper
Tiffany Dimmack
Kaspar Visser
Mia Lindgren
David Schreurs
Lem Zakharia
Paul Horan
Lawrence Bull
Claire Murphy
Alice Garner
Romy Sher
Gretchen Miller
Shiv Sumer
Corey Green
Mic Cavazzini
Ryan Pemberton
Courtney Carthy
Lindsey Green
Jennifer Macey
Lisa Divissi
Cheyne Anderson
Linda Bonney
Keeshia Pettit
Caddie Brain
Alex Tighe
Olivia Rosenman
Ian Curr